Six Essential Virtues for Life – #5 Whatever Is Lovely!
By Rob Fields
Have you come across a person who has lovely qualities about them? You are in a restaurant and little elderly lady shares a story that touches your heart by the way she speaks with kindness. Her smile warms your heart. You look into her eyes that draw you into her wonderful spirit. She is so lovely you remark to your friend.
What are some qualities that bring about a lovely spirit? If you’ve been introduced to someone, or see some new people around, go up to them and start a conversation. If someone is trying to talk with you, make an effort to have a conversation in return. Be the one to invite people out rather than waiting for them to come to you first. My motto is “grace reaches out.” Spend time with people more often. Spend longer periods of time with them. Don’t be afraid to be positive and encouraging. If someone is good at something then tell them so. We can all have a Barnabus spirit of being the encourager in a community that criticizes and complains. Without overdoing it and being a pest, put some energy into making sure everyone is having fun when you’re out in a group. These are just a few suggestions from an article on how to be more friendly and social.
The basic meaning of LOVELY προσφιλής, ές (prosphilēs) is pleasing, lovely, and is to be essential for someone. The root word PHILEO gives a basic sense of belonging to or to regard and treat somebody as one of one’s own people. It thus denotes natural attraction to those who belong, love for close relatives. It shows love, friendship, welcoming spirit, and companionship. We are to practiced and extend this virtue to one another. It is modeled by those in spiritual leadership.
How did Paul use lovely in a few of his letters? Romans 12:10 devoted to one another in brotherly love; Romans 12:13 practice hospitality; 1 Thess. 4:9 brotherly love; 1 Tim. 3:2 overseers show hospitality; Titus 3:4 kindness and love of God. These are a few that give a sense of the meaning and intent of this virtue.
John captures the essence and practice of whatever is lovely. “Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.” (3 Jn 5–8 – The Message)
Search for ways to be lovely in whatever you do. It is not just a practice for ladies but also for men to demonstrate a pleasing spirit. We can all exercise a friendly spirit which makes Jesus more attractive as He works through and in you.